Fire Safety – Haumaru Ahi
Burns and First Aid Guidelines
Preventing Burns
The first thing you should know is how to prevent burns. Here are some key tips to follow:
- Keep hot drinks at a distance. More than half of the severe burns we see in hospital are caused by hot spills.
- Never use candles, matches, or light a fireplace without adult supervision.
- When running a bath, add cold water first.
- Keep a metre away from any heaters you have at home. Although they are safe, they are not completely harmless and can still cause burns if you’re not careful.
First Aid for Burns: What to do in case of a burn
In case of a burn, tell Mum and Dad, and run the burn under cold water for 20 minutes. Don’t put ice on a burn – the intense cold can actually damage your skin and cause infection. If it’s an emergency and the burn is really serious, call 111.
As the burn heals, it will form a blister. It might be tempting to poke the blister, but don’t! Let it heal on its own and keep the area covered to ward off infections.
Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
Now, let’s chat about our electronic guardians – smoke alarms.
Checking Your Smoke Alarms
Here is some important information you need to know about smoke alarms:
- If they beep, they’re asking for fresh batteries.
- Replace the batteries every six months.
- Every month, give the test button a press to ensure they’re working.
- Make sure they’re not dusty, as dust can mess with them.
What to do in a fire?
In the event of a fire, it’s essential that you have an escape plan. Follow these safety guidelines to make sure you’re well prepared, and know how to keep yourself and others safe if you are ever in a fire. Click the link below to learn how to make a fire escape plan for your home, thanks to our partners at Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
So there you go, now you’re a fire safety expert! If you ever experience a burn or encounter a fire, keep in mind what we’ve learned today, and you’ll know exactly what to do. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning with me. Stay safe out there!
